REAL Magazine, August-September, 2015

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2015

Zoo Boise Ageless Fun Day Tripper Silver City's Rich History Tiny Houses Would One Work for You? Back to School Getting Out the Door on Time July Market Report Things To Do With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley!

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It's back-to-school time already. And though you no doubt have lots to do to get ready, there's still time to get outside and enjoy all our area has to offer. From the Farmers' Markets to the Western Idaho Fair and everywhere in between, you won't need to look far to find an activity or a new place to explore.

Be sure to check our "Things to Do" section on page 18 for a list of just a few. And, as always, if you have any suggestions for future stories, email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“

No matter what endeavor a person sets out to do, being well-informed helps eliminate the fear of the unknown. � ~ Richard L. Jones

contents Exploring Zoo Boise Zoo Boise isn't just for the kids!

Spend a day exploring.

Day Tripper Historic Silver City is a terrific day trip just 2 hours from Boise.

All the Rage The tiny house craze is nationwide.

Could one be right for you?

Getting Out the Door With school comes rushed mornings.

De-stress the start to your day with these tips.

July Market Stats The weather is hot, but has the real estate market cooled?

Ada County Homes Sample some Ada County homes.

Canyon County Homes A snapshot of just a few Canyon County homes.

Things To Do Get out and enjoy something fun!

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2015

Zoo Boise is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, a national organization supporting excellence in animal care, conservation, education, & science. Of 2,300 zoos licensed with the USDA, only 210 have received this prestigious certification.

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Exploring Zoo Boise

It's not just for the kids

Take a break! Spend a restful afternoon wandering the winding pathways through Zoo Boise, munching a churro or sipping a cool drink, and enjoying this little oasis in the midst of the city.

W

ho could have imagined back in 1916 that some rare birds and one escaped circus chimpanzee would become one of the most popular attractions in Southern Idaho.

Through the decades, government entities, civic groups, and concerned citizens have pooled resources to improve and grow Zoo Boise, educate the public, and ensure proper care for its inhabitants.

Now home to over 200 animals from 83 various species, Zoo Boise offers visitors the opportunity to learn about nature and what each of us can do to help protect it — all in a fun and convenient location.

Situated in the heart of Julia Davis Park in Downtown Boise, the zoo is great for picnics and birthday parties, but don't write it off if there are no children in the family. Zoo Boise features shaded, peaceful cbboise.com

pathways perfect for a lunch-time stroll or afternoon walkabout alone or with a friend. Comfortable benches are strategically placed throughout the grounds and create a terrific atmosphere to sit and read or simply watch the animals and ponder life.

Zoo Boise is open year 'round with summer hours (June 1-Labor Day)

from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Fall/Winter hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition to the zoo's regular hours, special events, including an overnight "Snooze at the Zoo," are held throughout the year.

For prices and additional information, visit zooboise.org.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2015

Day Tripper

Silver City, Idaho Located about 70 miles southwest of Boise in the Owyhee Mountains, Silver City is a great destination for explorers and Idaho history buffs.

I

n 1863, gold and silver were discovered in Southern Idaho's Owyhee Mountains, and it didn't take long for throngs of miners with big dreams of finding their fortunes to flock to what, in 1864, would become Silver City.

see one of the ghosts said to roam through the hotel or play marbles on Washington Street.

Of course, you'll want to explore the cemetery, pausing to read the names and dates on the old tombstones.

Once home to nearly 2,500 people, eight saloons, six general stores, two hotels, a bakery, three barber shops, and even a jeweler and a hospital, Silver City was the Owyhee County seat from 1866 to 1934. The first telegraph and daily newspaper in the Idaho territory were established in 1874, and telephones were in use here by about 1880.

Stop by Pat's What-Not Shop for books about the area, souvenirs, and local mineral samples, or take a guided trail ride with Sinker Creek Outfitters.

Silver City still boasts about 75 structures that date from the 1860s to the early 1900s, including the rustic, but functional Idaho Hotel with 13 rooms and familystyle dinners available with prior reservations.

Stroll along the dusty streets and imagine the bustling, boisterous crowds, the saloon music, the laughter. Perhaps you'll even

Though getting to Silver City doesn't necessarily require a 4-wheel drive, low-clearance vehicles are not recommended as the last 20 miles are not paved and are rough and steep in places.

There are a few ways to reach Silver City, including through Jordan Valley, Oregon, and, based on where you begin, one route might be preferred. Check Google Maps for your options, and make a plan!

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This story was written prior to the start of the Soda Fire and subsequent closure of roads leading to Silver City. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the firefighters and all affected by this tragic event. It is our hope that Silver City will be open again soon and that you will make a plan to visit!

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2015

Flickr: Tammy Strobel

All the Rage

The Tiny House Movement

Could you live in a home under 300 square feet? Be it second home or primary residence, many are jumping on board.

S

haun Wheeler, owner and operator of Wheeler Homes, has started a new company that builds Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOW) right here in Boise, Idaho.

He took some time to answer a few questions we had about tiny homes.

What is a Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW)?

In a nutshell, the THOW is a small footprint home on wheels that is usually under 300 square feet.

These homes are different from RVs because they are built to traditional home standards (i.e.,

snow loads and insulation). These standards allow a THOW to be a true four-season living space. One of the cool things about a THOW is that most all the luxuries we have grown accustomed to in a traditional home can be found in a tiny home.

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PAGE 9 Why Tiny Homes?

About a year ago I finished my time at university where I earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Empowered with this new knowledge, I was having a hard time building homes in the traditional sense. I needed to find an outlet that, while still utilizing my construction skill set, would allow me to adhere to my new standards of sustainability.

Building self-sustained THOWs was the perfect solution.

What does the Tiny Home Movement mean to you?

Being a part of this movement has allowed me the satisfaction of being a carpenter, which is highly gratifying work, while also letting me to be a progressive and active participant in the green building industry.

It's enabled me to continue with the family business in my very own little way.

Are Tiny Homes only for people who want to go "off grid"?

If you do want to live "off grid" the THOW is a great option. But the tiny house works just as well in the city as it does in the hills. It gives younger buyers an alternative housing option without debt.

Early retirees are also drawn because of the freedom they find with a THOW. It's a home with less work that affords a life of more leisure and travel. And then there are the ones who just want options in their lives aside from cbboise.com

the traditional offerings.

At the end of the day, a THOW can be completely custom and tailored to fit anyone's lifestyle.

What do you see for the future of the Tiny Homes Movement?

I know that the idea of full time living in a THOW is not really for everyone. I don't think anyone in the industry sees some kind of takeover happening here. But, there is certainly a chunk of the market that are all in!

As the industry moves forward we will likely see THOWs becoming more common as a second home for folks that want a getaway without the cost. We will also see developments starting to form within cities, possibly close to university campuses, that will become tiny home-friendly neighborhoods.

Just like any other development there will be a large diversity in what they may look like, catering to all tastes.

What do you see as the biggest obstacle as a builder? As an owner?

In order to move forward in this capacity, we will need to establish a set of codes and standards for the

industry. Building to an established code will only help the growth of the movement, allowing future THOW owners the same peace of mind they would get purchasing a traditional house. These codes would make it easier to create zoning standards that will be more accommodating to the movement.

All in all, I see an increase in demand for the product. And it will only be beneficial to all parties involved if we embrace the change and allow supply to responsibly react to demand.

To learn more, Shaun can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/ wheelerhomesinfo or on the web at wheelerhomes.info.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2015

Getting Out the Door

Making mornings manageable Victoria Lee & Lindsay Listanski Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

It's back-to-school time, and, for many of us, that means the mornings just got a bit more hectic. These tips can help.

One of the hardest parts of getting into the back-to-school swing is getting used to the routine, especially the early mornings.

Here are a few ways to help you get out the door on time.

1. Prep the Night Before.

There is just something about mornings that spells frantic rush!

Avoid the morning battle by preparing as much as you can the night before. Assemble lunches, lay out clothes, pack backpacks, and even prep breakfast. Why spend a few minutes making the coffee in the morning when you can program the coffee maker the night before? The less on your to do list in the a.m., the better!

2. Create an Outfit Organizer.

Sometimes getting yourself dressed and ready for the day is crazy-making. The last thing you need is an argument with your child over what he or she should

(or wants to) wear. Having outfits ready to go will keep the morning running smoothly and help you to get out the door on time without your child looking like they are off to a Halloween costume contest, rather than school.

Check out this example from Tonia at thegunnysack.com for a great step-by-step on how to make a simple closet organizer.

3. Make a Family Calendar.

Use a shared calendar application, or post a family calendar in a place where everyone can view it. For even better organization, assign each family member a color.

Having everyone’s activities and commitments in one place makes planning infinitely easier.

4. Create a Lunch Menu.

Like the calendar, a weekly lunch menu helps make lunch-planning easier. According to Martha

Stewart, “A kid may be more likely to enjoy their lunch if they help choose the menu. By providing options there is a greater chance that their lunchbox isn’t coming back full with food they didn’t like.

Add an extra touch by including a note or small gift. A simple “Hope you are having a great day” means the world to a child and is your way of letting them you know are thinking about them mid-day.

5. Assign ”Catch-All” Baskets.

Assign each family member a “catch-all” basket in the entryway or mud room. Whenever you collect something you’ll need to remember in the morning (a signed permission slip, sports equipment for tomorrow’s game, itinerary for tomorrow’s business trip) drop it in the basket. It will make getting out the door in the morning much easier. No more running around the house to find what you need. Best of all, you’ll

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PAGE 11 avoid the dreaded “I forgot (fill in the blank) at home” feeling.

6. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate!

It may take a few extra minutes in the beginning, but teaching your children to pitch in where they can, can save everyone time in the long run. Depending on the age of the child, choose one or two cbboise.com

tasks that he can handle on his own. It may be as simple as letting your child choose what to wear.

Perhaps your seven year old can prep the breakfast table, or your ten year old can take the dog out.

7. Wake Up Earlier.

This might be unpopular, but the most obvious way to get out the

door on time is to wake up earlier.

If 20 minutes sounds like too much beloved sleep to give up, try setting the alarm earlier by smaller increments, say 5 minutes earlier each day. You’re less likely to feel the sting of the early wake-up call if you make it a gradual process.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2015

Monthly Market Stats H

What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate

omes sales continue to remain strong in the Treasure Valley, continuing a 2+ year trend of price appreciation and sales activity exceeding normal levels.

as families return from summer vacations and head back to school.

Watch for this year’s activity to pick up just a bit in about a month or so.

Recent headlines in the newspapers We typically see a seasonal ease might lead you to believe that the in the market transitioning from market is preparing for another “crash.” The early to mid summer, and Interest rates continue to truth is that this year is hold around 4.0%, which the strong m a r k e t no exception eases affordability. conditions to that rule. thus far The inventory of available homes for sale has this year must give way to more leveled off in both counties and normal market activity for our the sales activity seems to have market to continue healthy eased from last month (though growth. The price increases and Ada County’s sales still surpassed strong sales we’ve recently seen aren’t sustainable over the long last July’s by over 20%). term, so a correcting market is a We expect summer market good thing. conditions to remain strong and normally see a slight upward trend Interest rates continue to hold in activity transitioning into fall around 4.0%, which eases

affordability, and the economic situation abroad would seem to indicate that rates should remain fair for the near term though almost everyone projects higher rates in the coming months.

As we all settle back in to a post-summer routine, if you’re considering a change in neighborhoods, please let us know how we can help. Effectively preparing a home for a successful sale often takes time and before you know it we’ll be talking about the holidays – so don’t wait!

As always, real estate is hyper-local.

Don’t rely on websites and generic information to make important real estate decisions. Call or email today to get a customized analysis for your own home and situation.

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$230,000

HOMES SOLD JULY 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

18

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

2,520 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.

372

$149,950

HOMES SOLD JULY 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

20 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com

Canyon County

1,187 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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1,033

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2015

Ada County

Featured Homes

607 E. Curling N Boise Lovely home in highly sought after North End neighborhood. Nearly every inch has been remodeled tastefully with attention to detail & function. Features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, hardwood floors, river rock fireplace & an updated kitchen with Italian granite, Birch cabinets & stainless steel appliances. Stylish master with fireplace, sitting area & private access to the serene back yard.

7482 N. Misty Cove Ave. NW Boise Beautiful custom, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2642 sq.ft. home with bonus room. Features a large living space with gas fireplace, formal dining, & powder room. Chef's gourmet kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, built-in fridge, gas cooking with pot filler, granite counters & tile flooring. Eastfacing back yard with great views of the Boise mountains & no back neighbors!

4602 N. Maplestone Ave. NW Meridian Great 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2138 sq.ft. home with beautiful upgrades throughout! Kitchen has granite tile counters, lots of cabinets, stainless steel appliances & island area overlooking great room. Master bedroom features an amazing en-suite with granite counters, dual sinks, soaker tub & separate shower. East-facing back yard!

2457 N. Waggle Pl. NW Meridian Beautiful home with great curb appeal in Ashford Greens. Split 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath floor plan with bonus room. Features a gorgeous stone fireplace, new carpet in living room & office & kitchen with granite counters. Great for entertaining, living & patio wired for surround sound, custom landscaping & covered patio! Huge garage with lots of storage & room for a workshop.

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Ada County

Featured Homes

2776 S. Armada Pl. SE Boise Desired, single-level beauty in coveted Pier Pointe Subdivision. Close to the Boise River, Greenbelt, Bown Crossing & Baggely Park! Gorgeous .38 acre lot with mature landscaping. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home features an excellent floor plan.

Lovely kitchen with slab granite, undermount commercial-grade sink, & stainless steel slide-in range with double ovens.

11734 W. Tahiti St. W Central Boise Welcome to this terrific new home. Slate floor entrance leads to spacious kitchen with knotty alder cabinets, granite counters, tile/travertine backsplash & stainless steel appliances. Master suite on main level features dual vanity, soaker tub, separate shower & walk-in closet. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with bonus room upstairs.

This home shows like new!

8633 W. Falling Star SW Meridian Super clean & move-in ready! Completely updated in 2014. Features granite in kitchen & baths with subway tile backsplash, new carpet, vinyl & interior paint. Split 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1216 sq.ft. floor plan. Spacious master suite has an oversized walk-in closet. Huge patio perfect for entertaining. Possible RV parking. Don't miss out!

235 S. Cooksom Place Eagle Charming porch welcomes you home. Private cul-de-sac in desirable Chaumont Subdivision close to all of the great amenities Eagle has to offer. Features a kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, & vaulted ceilings.

Master suite with European-height, tiled dual vanities, soaker tub & separate shower. Mature landscape, covered patio, beautiful location!

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2015

Canyon County

Featured Homes

7423 E. Hampshire Ln. NE Nampa Beautiful two-story home in Sherwood Meadow subdivision. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath & 1284 sq.ft. with a great floor plan, vaulted ceilings & lots of natural lighting. 2 bedrooms on the main level & a private master suite on the upper level. Features new carpet throughout & new vinyl in kitchen & dining room. Spacious back yard, perfect for entertaining with space for RV parking.

6391 E. Brimley Dr. NE Nampa Unique, split 4 bedroom, 2 bath design with great updates & vaulted ceilings. Gorgeous, open kitchen & dining features hardwood floors, tile backsplash, pantry & new stainless steel appliances. Master suite has walk-in closet, dual sinks in bathroom & private patio access. Close to shopping, dining & the interstate. This vacant home is waiting for you. Don't miss out!

1027 S. Spring Valley Dr. S Nampa Amazing 3 bedroom, 2 bath single-level that hits all the marks! The master suite has 10' ceilings, walk-in shower with seating, walkin closet & double vanities. Kitchen features beautiful maple cabinets with antique bronze hardware, a huge corner pantry, granite counters, tile back splash & stainless steel appliances. Gated RV parking!

1601 Dearborn SW Caldwell Beautiful home in historical district. Stunning solid brick gives this 6 bedroom, 3 bath, 3302 sq.ft beauty lots of curb appeal. Unique & charming with great features throughtout the entire house. Covered screened patio, huge deck on upper level, garden boxes, detached 2-car garage & so much more!

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Featured Homes

17304 Copper Spur Ave. NE Nampa Amazing custom-built home on 1.24 acres! This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3299 sq.ft. beauty has it all. Gorgeous Knotty Alder wood throughout.

Spacious kitchen features beautiful tile counters & back splash, stunning built-in cabinetry with storage galore, & a built-in work station just off the kitchen. Mature landscaping with raised garden boxes & lots of space for a shop!

2203 Leo Dr. NW Nampa Wonderful corner lot home in a great neighborhood! Features a spacious kitchen & dining room with plenty of storage, large pantry & breakfast bar. 3 bedrooms, all have large closets. Beautiful back yard is fully landscaped with a nice covered patio, great for gatherings. Come see this gem!

1110 N. Buffalo Way Middleton This is a place to come home to! Beautiful, 2-story featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths plus office & bonus room. Open kitchen with tile backsplash, pantry & breakfast bar. Family room has gas fireplace & an abundance of natural lighting.

The spacious master suite features dual vanity, soaker tub & separate shower. All bedrooms have walk-in closets!

7468 Lanktree Ln. Middleton Relax on the front porch & enjoy the beautiful setting of this 2 acre home with views of the valley & Bogus Basin. Hardwood floors in the entry lead you to an open floor plan with a large living room featuring a stunning fireplace. The spacious kitchen has granite counters, hardwood, island, pantry & breakfast bar. Master suite has private access to porch.

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Canyon County

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2015

FARMERS’ MARKETS Capital City Public Market Saturdays; 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m.

8th & Idaho, downtown Boise www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com

Boise Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

10th & Grove, downtown Boise www.theboisefarmersmarket.com

Eagle Saturday Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.

185 E. State St., Eagle www.facebook.com/eaglesaturdaymarket

Kuna Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-noon

Kuna City Park, Main St., Kuna www.kunafarmersmarket.com

Nampa Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

1350 Front St., Lloyd Square, Nampa www.nampafarmersmarket.com

Caldwell Farmers’ Market Wednesdays; 3:00-7:00 p.m.

On Arthur between Kimball & 7th, Caldwell www.caldwellidfarmersmarket.com

Flickr: GLORIA

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PAGE 19

Things To Do There's still a ton of fun waiting for you this summer!

Alive After Five Summer Concert Series Every Wednesday, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Western Idaho Fair August 21-30, noon-11:00 p.m.

Grove Plaza, downtown Boise www.downtownboise.org

5610 N. Glenwood St., Boise www.idahofair.com

Gazebo Concert Series in Eagle Last Thursday of each month through Sept.

8th Annual Pooch Party Stroll & Splash August 29, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

6:00-9:00 p.m., Heritage Park 185 E. State St., Eagle Gazebo Concert Series Info

Great Garden Escape Thursdays through September 17

Check times & schedule online Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise www.idahobotanicalgarden.org

Free Movie Night in Meridian Every Friday through August 28 at dusk

Settlers Park, Meridian & Ustick Roads www.meridiancity.org/movienight

Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series Modest Mouse August 26, 6:00 p.m.

Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise Concert Schedule

"The Princess Bride" August 27, 7:00 p.m.

The Egyptian Theatre 700 W. Main St., Boise www.boiseclassicmovies.com

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Lakeview Park, Nampa INFO

Boise Library Comic Con 2015 August 29, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Boise Main Library 715 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise www.boisepubliclibrary.org

Idaho Shakespeare Festival “The Fantasticks� - September 4-27

See website for full schedule 5657 Warm Springs Ave., Boise www.idahoshakespeare.org

Art in the Park September 11-12, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

September 13, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Julia Davis Park, 700 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise www.boiseartmuseum.org

WOW Country Fan Jam - Big & Rich September 11, all day

Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater 16200 N. Idaho Center Blvd., Nampa www.fordidahocenter.com

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